A system for producing energetic particles including a housing containing an anode and a cathode, wherein the anode is connected to a voltage supply and the cathode is one of a cathode containing an oxide layer and a cathode in the presence of oxygen, said cathode is grounded; a vacuum source connected to the housing for providing a reduced pressure in the housing; and a supply of at least one gas connected to the housing for introducing the at least one gas into the housing containing deuterium and oxygen.